American Councils for International Education is grateful to announce that the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF) has received a $49,000 grant from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (RBF) as a commitment to advancing the development of Kosova through quality higher education.
Founded in 1940, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a private family foundation rooted in the Rockefeller tradition of philanthropy, works to build lasting solutions to challenges facing today’s increasingly interdependent world through grantmaking, convening, and mission-aligned investing. RBF has been engaged in grantmaking in the Western Balkans since 2001, supporting efforts of civil society groups, governmental institutions, and other partners to work toward strengthening democratic practices and sustainable development in the region.
Through its contribution, RBF will support KAEF's mission to stimulate economic and democratic growth in Kosova by investing in the higher education of motivated, talented Kosovars with leadership potential. The support from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund signifies an essential step towards sustaining KAEF for the future, demonstrating the importance of collaborative efforts between the private sector and educational programs in driving positive societal change and development.
Established with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), KAEF has operated as an independent entity that does not receive funds from the American government since 2004. Today, KAEF is supported primarily through the charitable support of individuals and businesses in Kosova, American supporters, and American universities.
During its nineteen years of operation, KAEF has proven tremendously successful, supporting over 110 Kosovar students at over 40 leading U.S. universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Harvard, and John Hopkins. These fellowships empower talented Kosovars who demonstrate a solid commitment to the economic development of their country. KAEF alumni have played vital roles in Kosova's growth, serving as ambassadors, advisers, directors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, and civil society activists. Alumni have managed development projects worth over $88 million and launched numerous successful new businesses.